Athletics

2011-12 Stories of the Year (No. 2): Kapco Park unveiled

MEQUON, Wis. – The list could have gone on and on,
and it is obviously longer than we thought it would be when we
first started making it. The 2011-12 athletic year at Concordia
University Wisconsin had many successful and inspiring stories, but
we decided to limit it to five.

The list was compiled by the CUW
Sports Information Department, and like all lists it is subject to
debate. The list of stories will be revealed in stages. Stories 4-1
will be revealed individually over the next few days, with the top
story of 2011-12 being released next Tuesday.

Fans will then have an opportunity
to vote on their top stories of 2011-12 by e-mailing their list to
steven.schauer@cuw.edu by Friday, June 15.

It has been touted as one of the
best collegiate stadiums in the Midwest and those who have seen it
agree. Concordia University Wisconsin's new $3.4 million baseball
facility was unveiled earlier this year and with rave reviews from
many around, including MLB Hall of Famers Robin Yount and Bob
Uecker.

The 1,240 seat – maximum
capacity of 3,000 – all turf field far exceeds the previous
baseball field the Falcons had played on for 20-plus year. The
facility includes a press box, dugouts, concession area and
restrooms.

The facility's location and
construction design coincides with CUW's recent improvements; such
as the creation of a School of Pharmacy building, Concordia Center
for Environmental Stewardship (CCES) building, Coburg Residence
Hall and the Bluff Restoration project – all done within the
last five years.

On April 1, the Falcons opened
Kapco Park with a doubleheader sweep over Wisconsin Lutheran
College during Northern Athletics Conference play. The Falcons
didn't fool around as they hammered 27 hits to win 8-3 and 7-2.

In addition, the Lakeshore Chinooks
began their inaugural season on June 4 at Kapco Park. The Chinooks
are members of the Northwoods League, a premiere summer collegiate
wood bat league. The league allows collegiate players with
eligibility remaining a chance to show professional scouts their
abilities over a grueling 70-game schedule in 75 days.